Quantum Computing Research Continues

Quantum computing research projects continue at Microsoft, and progress has been made in recent years. Quantum computing leverages the principles of quantum physics, and the technology could deliver machines with vastly greater processing power than today’s transistor-based computers, albeit for targeting certain classes of problems where parallel processing improves performance. Organizations that benefit from solutions of these types should monitor quantum computing developments for opportunities that the technology will enable. However, production hardware and software are unlikely for several years, and they might not come from Microsoft.

Applicable to Certain Problem Spaces

Quantum computer theorists promise that the machines will bring processing speeds that are many (potentially hundreds of) orders of magnitude faster than the transistor-based (also called classical) computers in use today. However, not all classes of problems are suited for quantum computers, and classical computers will remain the better choice for many applications.